There has been an increase in reports of poorly hedgehogs in the Newark area, and Hedgehog Welfare are offering advice on how to help.

HEDGEHOG lovers have released advice on how locals can help these prickly creatures.

Hedgehog Welfare, run by Newark women Janet and Sally, is seeing an increase in sick hedgehogs due to the ever-changing weather, and are releasing some advice for local people so they know how to help poorly hedgehogs if they come across one.

Janet said: "We are getting lots of calls at present, due to the long dry spell we have just had, we are very pleased to see the rain, but are now worried that the cold wind will affect any new born hedgehogs, lets hope that their mothers have built really good nests for them to keep them warm and dry."

If a hedgehog is out and about in daylight, it generally means there is something wrong. If it is active, looks healthy and going about its business in a usual manner, don't pick it up but keep an eye on it to ensure nothing is wrong.

Janet and Sally have released this advice to local people so you will know how to help a poorly hedgehog:

• Ensure there is always water at ground level in your garden in a shallow dish, but not a saucer.
• If you have a pond, make sure it is easily accessible and that if a hedgehog falls in, it can get out via a ramp or slope of stones.
• If you can, scatter a few chicken-based kitten or cat biscuits over a large area. If this isn't possible, a digestive biscuit with peanut butter on it, chopped chicken (raw or cooked) or a little mince are decent substitutes.
• Please never feed bread, milk, or dried meal worms.

If a hedgehog at any time appears wobbly, unsteady on its feet, shows obvious signs of injuries or has breathing problems, call Hedgehog Welfare for help as soon as possible.

Hedgehog Welfare is in urgent need of small pots for food and water for the hedgehogs, such as the glass or ceramic ramekins for desserts bought in supermarkets. If you have any you could donate, call the number below.

Janet added: "We have been struggling for many years to become a registered charity. The money we have, we would like to spend on the hedgehogs, getting more cages, fly screens, equipment, and so on and do not want to use our funds up on professional fees, If anyone has the know-how and would like to help us in this way, we would be really grateful."

If you can help Hedgehog Welfare in any way, call 07940 714830